2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1998 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (641 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 495 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (146 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 196 kg more than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (820 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 563 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Firebird. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1998 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1998 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1998 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Pontiac |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 820 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
